Demanding a complete ban on the production of Endosulfan pesticide, Kerala is observing Anti-Endosulfan Day today. The protest coincides with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants beginning in Geneva today, which will decide the banning of a few pesticides, including Endosulfan. In the State capital Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan is leading a fast demanding a ban on the production of Endosulfan. Inaugurating the fast, Achuthanandan regretted the Union Government's stand that further studies in other states are needed before a decision in this regard is taken. He said there are reports of large number of foeticides taking place in the affected areas. The Chief Minister said efforts will be made to spread awareness on the dangers posed by Endosulfan in other states. A large number of people from different walks of life are participating in the fast, which will end this evening. Various programmes including seminars, human chains are taking place in other parts of the state in support of the call for a ban. State Ministers will administer anti-endosulfan pledges in the district headquarters this evening. The Congress-led UDF has kept away from the protest, accusing the Chief Minister of politicising the issue. The party state leaders will be meeting the Prime Minister today to press for a ban. However, in a rare show of solidarity with the LDF, BJP is participating in the protest.